Since I know some of you are wondering.. I am copying and pasting my email to Indiekitten since she asked about Frank this afternoon.
Thank you so much for thinking of us. Frank has his ultrasound yesterday and they determined that he has Pancreatitis and Fatty Liver Disease. Basically, Pancreatitis has something to do with the over-production of enzymes which has caused eating to be painful to Frank.. so he stopped eating.. Since he was slightly overweight, in order to function, his liver was pulling fat cells and fat developed around his liver, then causing the Fatty Liver Disorder.
Both of these issues are fixable independently, but combined it because complicated. To cure Pancreatitis, he cant eat until his Pancreas heals.. And to Cure the Fatty Liver, he needs to eat to cure his jaudice etc.
The docs are hopeful and need to cure one issue before they even focus on the other. Looks like he could be at the animal hospital for a few weeks.
The good news is that this isnt hereditary and its isnt basic liver failure. That would be uncurable.
We have been to visit him every night this week. A friend of ours got us some holy water and we said a prayer with him last night and put the holy water on him. He still looks good, skinny but good. He is SO excited to see us each night. He purrs and meows.. and his spirit is good. We got him a get well card and brought him a mousey and his favorite pillowcase from home. We also taped a picture of his sister, Taylor in his crate. He was rubbing his face on it.. so we can tell he misses her too.
We are hopeful and still need your prayers. Thank you so much for your kind words and good thoughts. We want him to come home so badly! We are doing whatever it takes.
**As some of you may remember, DH and I were going to be buying a house before February. (Friends of ours are building new and we were going to buy their old) Basically, we have money saved for that.. but it looks like we may have to pass, because of Frank's medical bills. We have already racked up a couple thousand in tests and boarding, since Friday! We talked it through and have decided that we didnt get our animals so that we can give up on them if they are sick. He is a part of our family and family is WAY more important that material things and how big our house is. If we sell our place and have to move into an apartment for another year or two, that is what we will have to do. We just want our family back!
Thanks again girls! I will continue to keep you updated!
thanks for the update and im SO glad to hear there is hope. I really hope he gets well soon so you can have your baby back at home healthy and happy and not end up paying so much.
Thanks for the update. Might i suggest giving Frank something that has your scent on it. Sometimes i do this when i'm boarding my dog. I'll sleep in the same wifebeater for a couple of nights and then send it to the kennel with him. My husband will do the same thing. It might be comforting to him. Maybe it will work with your other kitty too. Have his sister sleep on a towel or something with her smell. Sounds nutty but i will do anything for my animals.
Also, visit him often. Animals, like people, get depressed and this will inhibit his recovery. Spend as much time as possible with him.
Good Luck and my prayers are with you and your little guy.
I'm sending all the good vibes I have to your sweet Frank. I think it's so awesome that y'all are willing to give up on a house to keep Frank around. He deserves y'all and y'all deserve him. Good luck!!
Jocey, I am so touched by this story. I find it amazing and selfless that you & your husband are putting your own desires on hold for this animal. I wish all pet owners were like you. Frank is very lucky.
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
halleybird wrote: Jocey, I am so touched by this story. I find it amazing and selfless that you & your husband are putting your own desires on hold for this animal. I wish all pet owners were like you. Frank is very lucky.
ditto - as i tell my DH the story with tears in my eyes - oh heck, crying like a baby!!! Let us know if there's something we can do to help (other than prayers, which are coming your way).
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Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad
I wish you all the best. I hope little Frank pulls through. From reading about him, I feel Frank has a special place in my heart, so give him a hug and a kiss from me!